Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Type S both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and ultra-smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive and engaging typing experience without too much resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a heftier bottom-out weight of 65g, which can be ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel with a deeper, more subdued acoustic signature. This switch reimagines classic design with contemporary lubing techniques, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches have their merits—whether you lean towards the lively feedback of the Caramel Latte or the weightier stability of the Type S. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Type S switches, there are notable distinctions, especially with regards to their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which boasts a very low coefficient of friction (0.04) that contributes to an exceptionally smooth keypress experience. This material is not only strong, with a wear resistance significantly superior to POM, but also offers enhanced shock resistance, outperforming Nylon and POM by considerable margins. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a standard nylon top housing with a lower coefficient of friction (0.03). While nylon is known for its rich sound profile and softer feel, it does not provide the same level of durability and smoothness as the POK material.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a commonality between them. Nylon's properties lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and dampens impact noise effectively. This shared material in the bottom housing means that both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Type S switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics when bottoming out, making for a cohesive auditory experience despite the differences in their top housings. The nylon serves to enhance the overall feel of the switch, delivering that characteristic dampened sound which typists often prefer.
Ultimately, when evaluating the combined impact of the housing materials, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different nuances. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte will contribute to a smoother keypress and an interesting tactile feedback during release, while the Type S's nylon top will emphasize sound and softness. Given these differences, enthusiasts may choose one over the other based on their preference for sound profile versus smoothness, but the effective use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that they will share some auditory qualities regardless of the top material used. Thus, while the overall experiences differ, the presence of nylon in both switches guarantees similar results in terms of key bottoming out and sound absorption.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Type S linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Type S comes with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. These differences mean that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while those who enjoy a stronger push and a more substantial feel might find the Type S more appealing. In summary, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, while the Type S is the heavier one, offering distinct experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Caramel Latte measuring 3.6 mm and the Type S measuring 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance compared to the Type S, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the Gateron Type S, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth while typing. If you're drawn to a more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke might opt for the Type S. Overall, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
The Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its bright and clacky quality, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This lively sound enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel impactful and rewarding. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a more neutral and subdued acoustic experience. Its sound profile is balanced, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a workplace setting. The Type S leans towards a deeper sound that may appeal to those who prefer a muted yet still present auditory response when typing. Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte is lively and expressive, the Type S is more understated, catering to those who appreciate discretion in their typing sound.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a super smooth typing experience, with a medium actuation force of 50g, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable keystroke. Users often describe this switch as being very pleasant to use for long typing sessions, thanks to its smooth linear action. Meanwhile, the Gateron Type S has a heavier bottom-out force of 65g, which gives it a more substantial feel during typing. This added weight can provide a sense of control and stability, particularly for those who like a more deliberate keystroke. Thus, while both switches deliver a satisfying linear experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards a light and smooth operation, whereas the Type S offers a heftier typing sensation.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Type S linear switches each excel in their own ways, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Caramel Latte offers an engaging, clacky sound and a smooth, moderate weight typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback and expressiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S provides a neutral, subdued sound, along with a heavier keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel without compromising on noise levels. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for auditory and tactile sensations, but either option promises a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Type S linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for weight and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch with a 55g bottom-out force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound that enhances the tactile experience, the Caramel Latte switches might be your best bet. They provide a super smooth typing experience that makes each keystroke feel enjoyable, particularly if you favor a more lively acoustic environment. Conversely, if you’re in search of a more substantial feel with a 65g bottom-out force and appreciate a neutral yet deeper sound profile, the Gateron Type S switches are ideal. Their factory lubrication contributes to a smoother keystroke while providing a more subdued sound, making them suitable for both work and home environments where noise levels might be a consideration. Ultimately, assess where you plan to use your keyboard and how much feedback you desire with each keystroke to make your decision.
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